MsC 1

  Manuscript Register

PAPERS OF ANSON R. BUTLER

Collection Dates: 1861 -- 1900
(Bulk Dates: 1861 -- 1864)
1 file folder (Shares a box with Msc 2 and 3)

This document describes a collection of materials held by the
Special Collections Department
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1420
Phone: 319-335-5921
Fax: 319-335-5900
e-mail: lib-spec@uiowa.edu

Posted to Internet: March 2000

Acquisition Note: The papers were given to the University of Iowa Libraries by Edith Essig in 1962.

Access and Restrictions: This collection is open for research.

Photographs: Box 1

Digital Surrogates: Except where indicated, this document describes but does not reproduce the actual text, images and objects which make up this collection. Materials are available only in the Special Collections Department.

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Use of Collections: The University of Iowa Libraries supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted by their fragile condition or by contractual agreement with donors, and it may not be possible at all times to provide appropriate machinery for reading, viewing or accessing non-paper-based materials. Please read our Use of Manuscripts Statement.

 Biographical Note

Anson R. Butler was born in Gibson County, Indiana, in 1829. He graduated from the Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, but never entered the ministry. In 1852, Butler married Harriet Saunders. They settled in DeWitt, Iowa, where they raised three daughters. During the Civil War, Anson R. Butler served as third sergeant of Co. H, 26th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Returning to DeWitt after the war, he became one of its leading citizens. He was mayor, teacher, and a justice of the peace. Butler died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Reynolds, in Rock Falls, Illinois, on April 26, 1901.

 Scope and Contents

The papers of Anson R. Butler consist of thirty-four items dating from 1862 to 1900. Primarily correspondence written by Butler to his wife while he was serving with the 26th Iowa Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, the letters chronicle his wartime experiences. Most of his service was spent on board the Nashville, a "floating hospital." He writes of the seige of Vicksburg and of the wounded brought aboard the ship. He also writes vividly of the black troops in the battle of Millikinsville.

 Box 1

Correspondence

---. Letters to his wife while aboard the Nashville (hospital boat), September 3, 1862 to August 3, 1863

---. Letter [to Lee and Mabel?] [1900?]

---. Transcripts of letters

Photograph of the Nashville

Map of the battle of Vicksburg

Photographic copies

---. Photographic copy of Wallpaper edition of The [Vicskburg] Daily Citizen

---. Photographic copy of June 11, 1863, letter

---. Photographic copy of December 10, 1861 letter

---. Photographic copy of clipping from The DeWitt Observer on Decoration Day services

"Proclamation" regarding the closure of businesses in honor of the death of Lincoln, issued by Anson R. Butler as mayor, April 19, 1865

Attendence record for Butler's school in DeWitt, Iowa, 1884

Anson Butler's obituary and photograph

GAR black memorial ribbon